The Oklahoma Victim Assistance Academy (OVAA) is a week-long intensive course of study for crime victim service providers designed to improve the quality and consistency of victim services in Oklahoma. Through education, the OVAA builds the capacity of providers to serve those victimized by crime, encourages cutting-edge thinking about the ways we can help victims regain control of their lives, and enhances the multidisciplinary training currently provided.
The Office of the Attorney General’s Office and District Attorney’s Council will select candidates to attend the Academy. The participants will experience a comprehensive curriculum created specifically for Oklahoma. All students who are accepted and successfully complete the entire course will receive a certificate of completion.
2026 Oklahoma Victim Assistance Academy
June 21-26, 2026
University of Central Oklahoma
100 N University Dr, Edmond, OK 73034
Application Deadline: April 13, 2026
Communication detailing acceptance or non-acceptance will be sent via email to all applicants by 4/17/2026.
Student Selection Criteria
The OVAA is looking for dedicated victim advocates, service providers, law enforcement professionals and social service providers working with crime victims in any capacity who:
- Serve in a paid or volunteer position having direct contact with Oklahoma crime victims.
- Demonstrate less than 5 years of experience working with victims or have not had formal training.
- Agree to be in-residence at the campus dormitories for the entire length of the Academy.
The Office of the Attorney General reserves the right to select participants for the training based upon specific selection criteria. To maximize the number of agencies and geographical areas represented at the training, the OAG’s Office and DAC may limit the number of attendees that an agency or geographical area may send.
All applicants will be reviewed by a selection committee. The Academy is limited to 40 participants.
For questions contact:
Communication detailing acceptance or non-acceptance will be sent via email to all applicants by 4/17/2026.
Time Commitment
The OVAA requires approximately 52 hours of on-line self-study work to be completed prior to the academy. It is the responsibility of the attendee to print and submit completion of each course (53 modules) showing the on-line training has been completed prior to June 13, 2026. (Make sure to go to next page on some of the modules) The academy itself is approximately 45 hours of classroom instruction, as well as evening activities. Both the on-line self-study work and the classroom instruction portions must be successfully completed to graduate from the Academy. The answers to the self-study quizzes and assignments must be the participant’s own work, and not copied from others.
Registration Fees
A registration fee of $350.00 per student is required. Please submit the check or money order payable to the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO). Payments must be received by May 5, 2026. Payments must be arranged through event specialists prior to your event. Payment can be made over the phone, using any major credit, by calling (405) 974-2244. Checks can be sent to NIGH University Center, Attn: The University of Central Oklahoma on the memo line put your name and OVAA; Events Management 100 N. University Dr. Edmond, OK 73034; or in person at the Events Management office. Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cancellation and Return Policy
Cancellations must be made at least 10 days prior to the start date of the OVAA to receive a refund.
T-Shirts
There is a $20 T-Shirt fee required for all students. Please bring cash or check to check in on Sunday.
Scholarships
The OVVA has a very limited number of scholarships available.
Evaluation
If accepted, you will be required to complete daily evaluations and an overall evaluation at the end of the week.
Continuing Education Units
A certificate of completion will be presented to each participant upon fulfillment of all requisite conditions, including pre-academy coursework and full attendance of the academy. Please inquire in advance regarding any CEUs for specific professions that may have been approved and how you may receive credits for those hours following completion of the OVAA.
Technology
You are welcome to bring a laptop or other device if you would like. This is optional and extension cords will be available at the table.
Dorm Rooms
Each student will have their own dorm room at UCO however, there may be Jack and Jill bathrooms. The rooms have a bathroom, shower, sink and closet.
NACP Certification
OVAA is now a certified NACP credentialed program. For more information on how to obtain your NACP certification go to www.thenacp.org
Online Application
This project was supported by Grant No. 25GG00315ASSI awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Justice.
